The Summer Reading Challenge

Last year Kieran signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge, a scheme run by libraries across the UK to boost literacy in a fun way over the school summer holidays.
He LOVED it!

The challenge entailed reading six different books over the the course of the summer and for each book logged there was a sticker (a scratch and sniff stick no less) to stick onto a circus model that they were given and a medal was given at the end. The certificate can be held back and sent to the schools so that they are given out in assembly when the kids go back. Kieran was SO proud to have Mrs Y call his name to go up and collect his. There were free bookmarks, free vouchers for taking DVDs or audio books out of the library and activity sessions with art, craft and storytelling running at individual libraries.
It was a HUGE success.

Kieran 2011 Summer Reading Challenge

That was last year, and this year looks set to be even better! There are new characters in the StoryLab to get to know, a story to finish which can be entered into a competition and much more. Visit the Story Lab website for full details and for fun games, activities and even a tool that will recommend books. We are thrilled that the library service offers this great scheme each year to encourage youngsters to continue reading out of school and while Kieran takes out six books a week to read he only puts one of those towards the challenge so it lasts until back to school time.

If you haven’t heard about it before now or want to know more do look it up.
Fun, education and free, you can’t beat that for a summer holiday activity!

Book Review: The Promise by Lesley Pearse

I was lucky enough to be sent several books to read and review from a lovely publishing PR. Unfortunately I’ve struggled to get through them all as I have SO much to read with a Kindle that is full to the brim and a pile of books that could topple any minute. This is where my good friend, author, copywriter and previously a publishing editor, Martina Mercer comes in. Desperate for some new reads she was more than happy to take a few off my hand to read and review. Her first review is below.
(Thanks Martina!) 

Available from Amazon.co.uk and all good book retailers

The Promise

Fans of Lesley Pearse will know that “The Promise” is the follow on to “Belle”, a story of prostitution and sex slavery in the early 19th century. Without reading Belle first, The Promise may be a little confused; however Lesley Pearse still spins a tale with the talent she is renowned for. Her ability to marry actual historical facts with raw human emotion makes this an education and a delight, as we follow Belle through World War 1 as she works as a nurse in a world dominated by men. It’s truly enlightening and gritty in parts, often shocking but never unbelievable, and despite her history as a whore, Belle shines through as a strong young woman with characteristics we’d all be proud to own.

Perfect as a holiday read or for complete escapism, The Promise covers love, loss and lust in the way only Lesley Pearse knows how to portray.

MM x